Governor Matt Blunt has just announced that he has vetoed legislation that would give the student member of the MU Board of Curators a vote. This piece of legislation, which successfully passed through the Missouri House and Senate earlier this year by overwhelming margins, was a strong step forward in addressing the lack of student representation within Missouri's higher education system. Students and advocacy groups across the state praised the Missouri Legislature for standing up for the rights of students.

“I am appalled, insulted and, unfortunately, unsurprised.” said Rick Puig, President of the Young Democrats of Missouri. “Matt Blunt has a track record of brushing aside Missourians, whether they are individuals in need of healthcare of voiceless students at our State’s great universities. With that being said, a veto of legislation with such overwhelming support is bold even for the Governor.”

Gov. Blunt's decision to veto the student curator bill is another landmark effort in his four-year assault on higher education and young people in Missouri. The sale of MOHELA, his support for voter ID legislation, and Blunt's latest veto of the student curator bill are just a few pieces of a legacy of distrust and disdain for students in the Governor’s office.

“With policy decisions like these, people should not wonder why young people overwhelmingly trend towards the Democratic Party.” Puig said. “Although Matt Blunt’s bizarre political stunt in January might have enabled him to remain unaccountable to Missourians, I can promise you this: Students will hold Republicans accountable this November.”

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The Young Democrats of Missouri are officially affiliated with the Young Democrats of America. If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Brian Roach at 816-806-0722 or broach@ydmissouri.org.